Ostranauts Add Money Command: Debug Mode Setup Guide - Economy

Ostranauts Add Money Command: Debug Mode Setup Guide

Learn how to use the Ostranauts add money command via debug console. Activate cheats, spawn items, and modify character stats with this guide.

2026-08-08
ostranauts Wiki Team
Quick Guide
  • Ostranauts add money command: Use addcond StatUSD <amount> in the debug console to inject cash
  • Debug activation: Press F3 or click the ! icon in the top right corner, then type unlockdebug
  • Quick cash shortcut: Press Shift + 1 for an instant 50,000 USD injection
  • Case sensitivity: All console commands are case-sensitive, so type them exactly as shown
  • Risk warning: Some debug commands like Shift + 2 can kill your character if used carelessly

Accessing the Debug Console

The Ostranauts add money command is one of the most useful tools for players who want to bypass the early-game financial grind. Ostranauts is a deeply simulated space salvage game where managing finances, ship repairs, and survival mechanics can be punishing for new players. The debug console provides a legitimate way to experiment with the game's systems without risking a full playthrough reset.

To access the console, you need to be in active gameplay, meaning your character is moving around inside a ship or station. The debug button is not available from the main menu or pause screen.

Video Highlights:

  • Learn how to navigate the complex compartment and atmosphere systems
  • Understand the Mega Tool Tip (MTT) interface for inspecting objects
  • Watch the complete undocking and flight control tutorial
  • See the salvage mechanics in action aboard a derelict vessel

Once inside the game world, look at the top right corner of your screen for a small geometric shape marked with an exclamation point (!). Clicking this icon opens the debug console window. Alternatively, you can press F3 to toggle the console on and off at any time.

First-Time Setup Required

Before any cheat commands work, you must type unlockdebug into the console and press Enter. This unlocks the debug functions for your current session. If you load a different save file, you will need to run this command again.

Console ActionInput MethodResult
Open debug consoleClick ! icon or press F3Console window appears
Unlock cheatsType unlockdebugEnables all debug functions
View available commandsType helpLists usable console commands
Clear console textType clearWipes console output for readability

Ostranauts Add Money Command Methods

There are two primary ways to add money in Ostranauts, each serving different playstyles. The first method is a quick keyboard shortcut that grants a fixed amount, while the second uses the console command line for precise control over the exact dollar amount.

Method 1: Quick Cash Shortcut

After running unlockdebug, a set of keyboard shortcuts becomes available. The most relevant for money is Shift + 1, which instantly deposits 50,000 USD into your character's account. This is the fastest method when you need a quick injection of funds without typing commands.

Method 2: Precise Amount via Command

For players who want a specific dollar amount, the console command provides full control. The syntax is:

addcond StatUSD <amount>

For example, typing addcond StatUSD 100000 adds 100,000 USD to your current balance. You can run this command multiple times to stack larger amounts.

Optimal Money Strategy

Use addcond StatUSD 500000 once at the start of your playthrough to secure a comfortable budget for ship repairs, salvage licenses, and equipment. This lets you focus on exploring the game's deep simulation mechanics without constant financial pressure.

MethodInputAmount AddedBest For
Keyboard shortcutShift + 1Fixed 50,000 USDQuick top-ups during gameplay
Console commandaddcond StatUSD <amount>Custom amountPrecise budget control
Repeated shortcutShift + 1 multiple times50k per pressIncremental additions

Full Debug Command Reference

Beyond the add money command, the Ostranauts debug console offers a wide range of cheats for character modification, item spawning, and world manipulation. Understanding these commands enhances your ability to test builds and explore the game freely.

Community Resource

The commands listed here are sourced from the Ostranaut Cheat Guide on Steam Community, created by Kolljak. The guide is a work in progress and may be updated as new game versions release.

Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutEffectRisk Level
Shift + 1Free money (50k USD)Safe
Shift + 2Causes explosion at characterDangerous
Shift + CSpawns an NPCSafe
Shift + KRandom ship damageModerate

Character Stat Commands

You can modify your character's age, skills, and traits using the addcond command. The general syntax is addcond <conditionname> [value].

CommandEffectExample
addcond StatAge -9De-ages character by 9 yearsReverses aging effects
addcond IsFeeble -1Removes the Feeble traitEliminates negative perk
addcond IsFeeble 1Adds the Feeble traitTesting negative conditions
addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1Increases Mechanical skillSkill leveling
Case Sensitivity

All commands in the Ostranauts debug console are case-sensitive. Typing addcond statUSD 1000 will not work. You must use the exact capitalization: addcond StatUSD 1000. Double-check your spelling before pressing Enter.

Step-by-Step: Adding Money in Ostranauts

Follow these steps to successfully use the add money command in your Ostranauts playthrough.

1

Load Your Save File

Launch Ostranauts and load your existing save or start a new game. Ensure your character is actively moving around inside the game world, as the debug console is only accessible during live gameplay.

2

Open the Debug Console

Press F3 on your keyboard or click the geometric ! icon in the top right corner of the screen. The debug console window will appear, displaying a text input field at the bottom.

3

Unlock Debug Functions

Type unlockdebug into the console and press Enter. You should see a confirmation that debug mode has been activated. Without this step, no cheat commands will function.

4

Execute the Add Money Command

Type addcond StatUSD 100000 (replacing 100000 with your desired amount) and press Enter. Alternatively, press Shift + 1 for an instant 50,000 USD. Check your character's account to confirm the funds have been added.

5

Close the Console

Press F3 again or click the ! icon to close the debug console. Resume playing with your newly acquired funds. The money persists in your save file.

Verification Check

After running the command, open your PDA or check any financial interface to verify the money has been added. If the balance has not changed, recheck your command spelling and ensure you ran unlockdebug first.

Safe Debugging Practices

Using debug commands in Ostranauts carries some risk, particularly with commands that affect the game world or character health. Follow these guidelines to avoid corrupting your save or accidentally killing your character.

Safe Debugging Checklist:

  • Always back up your save file before using debug commands
  • Run unlockdebug before attempting any cheat commands
  • Avoid pressing Shift + 2 unless you want an explosion at your location
  • Double-check command spelling and capitalization before pressing Enter
  • Test commands on a new save file before using them on your main playthrough

Dangerous Commands to Avoid

Some debug commands can have severe consequences if used carelessly. The Shift + 2 explosion command deals damage directly to your character's location and can be lethal without protective gear. The Shift + K random ship damage command can breach your hull, causing decompression and atmospheric loss.

Save Corruption Risk

While the debug console is a developer tool, excessive use of spawn commands or condition modifications in rapid succession may cause instability. If the game crashes or behaves erratically after using cheats, restart the game and verify your save file integrity through Steam.

Useful Exploits (Non-Console)

Beyond console commands, some exploits exist in normal gameplay. One notable example is the Yoinking exploit: when you see an NPC hauling or dragging an item, you can run up to the item, right-click it, and select the "drop" option. The NPC will release the item, and you can then pick it up without any negative repercussions or reputation loss.

Safe Commands

  • addcond StatUSD (money)
  • Shift + 1 (quick cash)
  • Shift + C (spawn NPC)
  • Low risk of game instability

Moderate Risk

  • Shift + K (ship damage)
  • addcond StatAge (age change)
  • Trait modifications
  • Test on backup saves first

High Risk

  • Shift + 2 (explosion)
  • Can instantly kill character
  • May destroy nearby equipment
  • Use only with pressure suit equipped

Skill and Trait Modification Commands

In addition to the add money command, Ostranauts debug mode allows detailed modification of your character's skills and traits. This is particularly useful for testing different build configurations without replaying the character creation process.

Skill Commands

Skills in Ostranauts determine your effectiveness at various tasks like repairs, construction, and electronics. Use the following syntax to boost skills:

addcond player SkillEng<Name> 1

Skill CommandSkill Affected
addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1Mechanical Engineering
addcond player SkillEngConstruction 1Construction
addcond player SkillEngCombat 1Combat
addcond player SkillEngRobotics 1Robotics
addcond player SkillEngCivil 1Civil Engineering
addcond player SkillEngElectronic 1Electronics

Trait Management

Starting negative traits can be removed using the addcond command with a value of -1. This is useful if you want to respec your character without starting a new game.

Trait Removal Syntax

To remove a trait, use addcond <TraitName> -1. For example, addcond IsFeeble -1 removes the Feeble trait. To add a trait for testing, use addcond <TraitName> 1.

Trait CommandEffect
addcond IsFeeble -1Removes Feeble negative trait
addcond IsUnfit -1Removes Unfit negative trait
addcond IsFragile -1Removes Fragile negative trait
addcond IsInsomniac -1Removes Insomniac negative trait
addcond IsHypovolemic2 -1Removes Hypovolemic trait
addcond IsVisualImpaired -1Removes Visual Impairment

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When the Ostranauts add money command or other debug functions do not work as expected, several common causes may be responsible. This section covers the most frequent issues and their solutions.

Game Version Compatibility

The debug commands in this guide were verified on game version 0.15.0.11 (Fire in the Hold! update). Future updates may change command syntax or add new functions. Always check the latest community guides if commands stop working after an update.

IssueLikely CauseSolution
Console does not openWrong game stateEnsure character is in active gameplay, not a menu
Commands not recognizedunlockdebug not runType unlockdebug first, then retry your command
Money not addedIncorrect capitalizationUse exact casing: StatUSD, not statusd
Game crashes after commandConflicting conditionsRestart game, use commands one at a time
Skills not increasingWrong syntaxInclude player prefix: addcond player SkillEngMechanical 1

Finding Correct Item and Condition Names

If you need to find the exact internal names for items or conditions, use the condowners and cooverlays commands in the debug console. These commands display the internal naming conventions used by the game engine, which you can then reference in your addcond or spawn commands.

Community Contributions

The Ostranauts cheat guide is a community-maintained resource. If you discover new commands or item names, consider sharing them in the Steam Community guide comments to help other players.

FAQ

Q: What is the Ostranauts add money command?

The primary command is `addcond StatUSD <amount>`. Type this into the debug console (opened with F3) after running `unlockdebug`. For example, `addcond StatUSD 100000` adds 100,000 USD to your account. You can also press Shift + 1 for a quick 50,000 USD.

Q: Do I need to enable cheats before using console commands?

Yes. Before any debug commands work, you must open the console with F3 and type `unlockdebug`. This activates the debug functions for your current session. If you reload a save, you will need to run this command again.

Q: Can using debug commands corrupt my save file?

While debug commands are generally safe when used correctly, excessive or rapid use of spawn and condition commands may cause instability. Always back up your save file before experimenting with cheats, and avoid using dangerous commands like Shift + 2 (explosion) near important equipment.

Q: Are the console commands case-sensitive?

Yes, all commands in the Ostranauts debug console are case-sensitive. You must type commands exactly as written, including capitalization. For example, `StatUSD` must have capital S, U, S, and D. Typing `statusd` will not work.

Q: Can I remove negative traits from my character?

Yes. Use the command `addcond <TraitName> -1` to remove a negative trait. For example, `addcond IsFeeble -1` removes the Feeble trait. You can also add traits with a value of 1 for testing purposes.